Week 17

Tyler Anderson, SP, Colorado Rockies (CBS: 27 per cent owned, ESPN: 13 per cent): Another Rockies starter? At this pace they might even have themselves a serviceable rotation for 2017. Since his debut, at the beginning of June, he’s gone six innings in six of his eight starts, and in his worst start allowed four earned runs. The fact that he’s only allowed a scant ten free passes bodes well for his future success.

Nori Aoki, OF, Seattle Mariners (CBS: 5 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): Aoki is back from his stint at Tacoma and has moved directly into the leadoff gig. If you’re looking for runs scored and a dash of speed, he’s worth pursuing this week.

Jose Berrios, SP, Minnesota Twins (CBS: 43 per cent owned, ESPN: 6 per cent) After the Twins (hopefully) move some of the aging aces at the deadline, hopefully we see Berrios returning for his second kick at the can. In his past seven outings at Triple-A Rochester, he’s allowed six earned runs with better than a strikeout per inning. It’s fairly clear that Berrios has nothing left to prove at Triple-A.

Alex Bregman, SS, Houston Astros (CBS: 59 per cent owned, ESPN: 22 per cent): How is Bregman owned in only 22 per cent of ESPN Leagues? His arrival is slated for this Monday. It’s worth (see what I did there) giving your Leagues a quick scan to see if he’s available.

Jose De Leon, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers (CBS: 28 per cent owned, ESPN: 3 per cent): The Dodgers are in dire need of arms, any arms, and De Leon is far from being just any arm. The fact that he has only tossed 43 1/3 innings bodes well for his chances at being a contributor down the stretch. Toss in the fact that he’s now up to 64 punchouts on the year and it’s time for Redraft League owners to be investing.

Delino DeShields, OF, Texas Rangers (CBS: 13 per cent owned, ESPN: 5 per cent): The injuries continue to mount in Texas, with Shin-Soo Choo returning to the DL. In 207 at-bats at Triple-A Round Rock, DeShields swiped 21 bases. That could spell “difference maker” as we head into the dog days of summer.

Shawn O’Malley, SS/OF, Seattle Mariners (CBS/ESPN: unowned): Ketel Marte is on the sidelines dealing with a case of mononucleosis and O’Malley will be holding down the fort for at least the next couple of weeks. If you’re looking for temporary middle-infield help with speed potential, give him a look. He did manage to steal 211 bases in his lengthy minor league career.

Adam Ottavino, RP, Colorado Rockies (CBS: 4 per cent owned, ESPN: 2 per cent): Estevez has done a great job in the ninth for the Rockies, but Ottavino is their guy and as he settles in after missing the past year with TJS, expect saves to be part of the package.

Hernan Perez, 3B/OF, Milwaukee Brewers (CBS: 4 per cent owned, ESPN: 4 per cent): Perez, with two more stolen bases, is now up to 14 on the season. He’s definitely flying under-the-radar, but with that intriguing speed and third base eligibility, won’t be for much longer.

Ryan Schimpf, 2B, San Diego Padres (CBS: 3 per cent owned, ESPN: 3 per cent): Doesn’t anyone read my Waiver Wire Articles? After my glowing recommendation last week, Schimpf is owned in only three per cent of both CBS and ESPN Leagues. Today, he broke the Padres rookie record for homers in a month with nine and he still has another full week to add to that total. What was once a cheap gamble is now going to cause you to part with a significantly higher amount of your FAAB.

Braden Shipley, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks (CBS: 9 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): A two-start week, as the DBacks are giving their top-pitching prospect a Monday start against the Brewers. He has enjoyed an okay, type season at Triple-A, but with the likes of Patrick Corbin, Robbie Ray, and Zack Godley currently making up 3/5’ths of the DBccks rotation, he has a good chance to stick around.

Jake Thompson, SP, Philadelphia Phillies (CBS: 7 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): The odds are good that Jeremy Hellickson is going to be moved before the trade deadline and don’t be surprised to see Thompson moving into the Phillies rotation. In his past ten games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley he’s allowed ten earned runs. This includes the May 31 start in which he allowed six earned runs. He’s gone at least six innings in his last nine starts. He’s in the midst of a 22 consecutive scoreless inning streak. I’m thinking that the 22-year-old righty is ready.

Mac Williamson, OF, San Francisco Giants (CBS: per cent owned, ESPN: unowned): He’s got the job and is one of few Giants that is showing even the remotest power potential of-late. Three homers and seven RBI in his past seven games is a pretty good start. One that definitely is worthy of a roster spot.